10 Unexpected Father-Daughter Dance Song Ideas

If the father-daughter dance is done right, there won't be a dry eye in the house when it's over. When it's time to cut a rug with dear ol' dad, the song you pick is key—and the options are seemingly endless. Should you go with a classic favorite, like Wind Beneath My Wings, by Bette Midler, or Isn't She Lovely, by Stevie Wonder…or something a little less expected? Are you looking for a tune that's soft and sweet or something that will have guests on their feet? To narrow things down, it's a good idea to focus on tunes that have lyrics you can relate to, or songs that both you and Dad have always enjoyed. Need a little inspiration? Here are 10 DJ-approved ideas that might help.

Father-Daughter Wedding Song: Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World Medley Artist: Israel "Iz" Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole Lyrics to Look Out For: "I hear babies cry, and I watch them grow They'll learn much more Than we'll know And I think to myself What a wonderful world." Great Pick For: A tropical or beach wedding; the ukulele medley will fit right in.

Father-Daughter Wedding Song: Father and Daughter Artist: Paul Simon Lyrics to Look Out For: "I'm gonna watch you shine Gonna watch you grow Gonna paint a sign So you'll always know As long as one and one is two There could never be a father Who loved his daughter more than I love you." Great Pick For: The sentimental pair looking for a more contemporary tune that gets straight to the point.

Father-Daughter Wedding Song: While You Were Sleeping

Artist: Elvis Perkins Lyrics to Look Out For: "I'll never catch up to you Who sleeps so sound My arms are useless My heart beats too loud to go to sleep My mind's too proud to bow out While you were sleeping The time changed All your things were rearranged." Great Pick For: A barn wedding or rustic reception setting—it's a sweet folk-rock tune that slowly picks up the pace.

Father-Daughter Wedding Song: My Love Is Artist: Holly Golightly Lyrics to Look Out For: "My love is longer than forever Endless as the march of time 99 years after never In my heart, you'll still be mine." Great Pick For: A vintage-inspired affair; the tune boasts a bluesy jazz snap.

Father-Daughter Wedding Song: Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel) Artist: Billy Joel Lyrics to Look Out For: "I promised I would never leave you And you should always know Wherever you may go No matter where you are I never will be far away." Great Pick For: A late evening or sunset reception—for obvious reasons.

Father-Daughter Wedding Song: Daddy Artist: Beyonce Lyrics to Look Out For: "I want my unborn son To be like my daddy I want my husband to be like my daddy There is no one else like my daddy And I thank you (thank you) for lovin' me." Great Pick For: The inseparable pair! Beyonce fills this sweet, down-home tune with touching lyrics about the monumental childhood memories a father and daughter share (think: bike rides and first dates).

Father-Daughter Wedding Song: Daughter Artist: Loudon Wainwright III Lyrics to Look Out For: "That's my daughter in the water Everything she owns I bought her Everything she owns That's my daughter in the water Everything she knows I taught her Everything she knows." Great Pick For: The lighthearted father and daughter looking to laugh their way through this dance. The song is funny, honest and filled with heart.

Father-Daughter Wedding Song: Kind and Generous Artist: Natalie Merchant Lyrics to Look Out For: "You've been so kind and generous I don't know how you keep on giving For your kindness, I'm in debt to you And I never could have come this far without you So for everything you've done You know I'm bound... I'm bound to thank you for it." Great Pick For: The bride looking to make this dance a total tribute to Dad -- and one possibly looking for an extra way to say "thanks" for footing the bill (wink, wink)!

Father-Daughter Wedding Song: When the Stars Go Blue Artist: Tim McGraw Lyrics to Look Out For: "Dancin' when the stars go blue Dancin' when the evening fell Dancin' in your wooden shoes In a wedding gown." Great Pick For: Country fans! It's melodic yet just upbeat enough to stray away from the usual two-step.

Father-Daughter Wedding Song: Daughters Artist: John Mayer Lyrics to Look Out For: "So fathers, be good to your daughters Daughters will love like you do Girls become lovers who turn into mothers So mothers be good to your daughters too." Great Pick For: A daughter who, though honored to take the floor with Dad, wants to sneak in a little shout-out to Mom too.